Women: The Unstoppable Force of Resilience

Psychologist Akshara Damle has had the privilege of witnessing the silent battles women fight every day. These struggles are not just external conflicts against societal norms but also internal wars that often go unseen.

In therapy sessions, women arrive exhausted—not merely from lack of sleep but from the immense mental load they carry. They are mothers, executives, caregivers, and peacemakers. Yet, when they express their anxieties, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming guilt, they often whisper, as if apologizing for feeling this way.

Women are conditioned to endure quietly. Deeply ingrained expectations dictate that they must be the perfect wife, the nurturing mother, and the ambitious yet accommodating professional. But when these roles collide, the consequences can be severe—burnout, anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

Consider the story of *Dr. Nandita (name changed), a dedicated surgeon who saved countless lives yet struggled in silence with postpartum depression, fearing that seeking help would be perceived as weakness in a male-dominated field. Or *Meera (name changed), an entrepreneur who broke barriers in business but suffered from imposter syndrome, constantly questioning whether she was “good enough” despite her achievements.

Then there is *Ananya (name changed), a homemaker whose personal dreams were set aside the moment she got married. Years later, she found herself grappling with an identity crisis, wondering if she had lost herself in the service of others.

These women, like countless others, highlight an undeniable truth: while mental health challenges do not discriminate, society often does. Women are taught to suppress their struggles, prioritize others, and keep moving forward, even when their minds and bodies plead for rest.

Yet, they rise. They defy stigma, seek therapy, build support systems, and reclaim their narratives. Because resilience is not just about survival—it is about rediscovering oneself.

To every woman facing similar battles, Akshara Damle offers a powerful message: No one has to do it all, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength. The unstoppable woman is not the one who never struggles, but the one who chooses to heal and thrive.

Akshara Damle
Celebrity Psychologist | TEDx Speaker | Founder of ManoSamvaada and Vishisht Wellness